I prefer using golden raisins to the traditional dark raisins. They always seem plumper and mildly sweet. Children who normally object to raisins will sometimes accept these instead. They really don’t look so much like bugs. Ants on a Log (celery, peanut butter and dark raisins) becomes Dew Drops on a Branch. Note: after you cut the celery into portions, strip the tough strings off the back edge of the stalks with a paring knife. Celery is much easier for little people and even big people to eat this way, and it only takes seconds to do.

When offering your little one a new food, only put a very tiny portion on their plate. Anyone presented with a large serving of an unknown food is likely to resist. If the rule in your home is that you must taste a food before refusing it, then only offer a taste in the first place. Treat it like garnish and don’t make a big deal about it. 

Always cut up a sandwich into at least 4 pieces for your little ones. Often, they really can’t eat more than half a sandwich anyway and the smaller size is easier for little hands to manage. Don’t forget to change up the shapes as well. Triangles (corner to corner), squares (down the middle and across) and columns or soldiers (these are easier to eat when the bread is toasted).